Hi,

 

I've been looking at a 1990 Z that has supposedly got only 27,500 miles on it which are BIMTA certified.

My question is how reliable are these BIMTA certificates and are there any ways that they can be got around to cover up high mileage?

Call me a pessimist, but 27.5k on a 13 year old car just seems a little TOO low!!

i have imported several cars and jap mileage IS low...sub 30k miles is not uncommon, especially on sports cars. Certificate probably genuine...like any document can be bogus - you can buy passports and driving licences with matching visa cards for gods sake - but do not take anything as genuine...look the car over very carefully and get an AA inspection if unsure.

I always trust my mechanic guy and then my gut instinct...if it does not feel right, I walk away.

At 13 years old, the paint should not be perfect, fading occurs, if not why not?

Deposits in engine bay...if you spent a couple of days cleaning engine bay it would look like new, but dealers cannot afford to spend that kind of time on one car...so you should be looking at a dusty engine bay with bits of grime here and there...very acceptable.

Absolutely perfect bay and alarm bells would go off on me.

My preferred method of purchase is through clubs such as this...find car I want-last one was Pajero, monitor the forums, wait for car from experienced member and pay whatever he/she asks...car will be well kept, sorted and cos you pay close to asking price, seller will be at end of forum to answer questions.

U get a mate into the bargain...

Sorry, I am rambling now!!!!!!!!!!

Hi,

 

The mileage would not be Bimta certified as they only guaratee mileage after 93 l think!

 

Mark

The mileage would not be Bimta certified as they only guaratee mileage after 93 l think!

 

Yes, 'registered' after '93, assuming it's an import it'll be first registered in the UK after '93. Even then the Bimta certificate will only support the mileage as declared on the de-registration certificate when the car was imported and any subsequent U.K. miles. i.e. it's not any proof of the pre importation mileage (I think).

They do guarantee mileage done in Japan after a certain year of importation!

Thanks for all the advice guys, I'll go and have a look at it I think.

:D